Taupo tech success story great news for regional economies

Traff1k D1g1tal has become one of the country's latest international success stories, and now the company has been recognised by Communications Minister Amy Adams.

Adams has been touring the Taupo region and paid a visit to Traff1k D1g1tal's local office, where she learned how the company has been taking innovation, expertise and expansion and applying them to online sales boosts for a number of large international brands, such as Lacoste, Lee, UGG and Wrangler.

“A report this year by the New Zealand Technology Industry Association (NZTech) revealed the tech sector contributes $16.2 billion to New Zealand's GDP and employs around 100,000 people. Although most of these companies are based in the big centres, I believe there is potential for the tech sector to diversify regional economies," comments Michael MacDonald, Traff1k D1g1tal CEO and founder.

Taupo is one of those regional economies, where the company has offices in New Zealand and Australia, and also has a presence in South Africa.

The company has been doing well, experiencing significant growth and moving with the trend towards digital media. The company recently appointed Taupo-based Leigh Austin as general manager, making sure their Kiwi roots stay Kiwi.

“In the digital era you can start a business from almost anywhere in the world if you have the right skills and mindset. The best thing about Taupo is that it offers a fantastic lifestyle with an affordable cost of living for you and your employees," MacDonald says.

He says that Taupo tech innovators should step up and make waves, as their company has shown that great success stories do happen.

“New Zealand is a nation of entrepreneurs and many of our most iconic companies have been founded in regional towns like Taupo. It is known for its tourist industry but there are several companies in the technology space operating here. We would love to see some of these businesses follow in our footsteps,” MacDonald concludes.